Here on Chemistry Cachet, you’ve probably noticed a favorite tool of mine for cleaning: lemon infused rubbing alcohol. Lemon infused rubbing alcohol is found in many of our homemade solutions.
There is a good reason for it too.
Today we are going to share with you why you should use lemon infused rubbing alcohol for cleaning.
You will find it in things like our homemade soft scrub, and even homemade bug spray.
Why Lemon Infused Rubbing Alcohol is a Powerful Cleaner
When you infused lemon peels into rubbing alcohol, you are actually using a chemistry technique which moves one substance to another.
This is referred to as extraction.
Since we don’t have fancy machines at home that can mechanically and chemically perform extractions, the easiest way to do this is with a home chemical like rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol (or any alcohol for that matter), will essentially pull away the chemicals, scent, and acidity from the lemon peels overtime.
Remember this post on lemons? Lemons have some pretty awesome chemicals in them that aren’t just good for your health, but for your home too.
Benefits of Lemon Infused Rubbing Alcohol
After you infuse the lemon peels into rubbing alcohol for at least two weeks, you are left with a lemony alcohol concoction perfect for cleaning.
Here is Why:
Disinfectant
We shared this post earlier this year on why rubbing alcohol is a better all-purpose cleaner than vinegar. While vinegar is an awesome acid that cleans many things, it isn’t actually all-purpose. Vinegar cannot be used on natural surfaces because it will eat away overtime. So, vinegar makes a great cleaner, like for the bathroom, but rubbing alcohol can be used on ANY surface. Therefore, it’s safer for all-purpose use.
Rubbing alcohol is a great disinfectant on its own, but adding in lemon peels increases the disinfectant quality.
Did you know there is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting? To properly disinfect according to the EPA and CDC, you need to follow a two step method. Read this post about keeping germs out of your home for more details. You basically clean a surface well, then follow up with rubbing alcohol. Spray the surface completely, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe off.
What about Acidity?
Rubbing alcohol isn’t very acidic, but acidity is useful for cleaning. Like we mentioned above, vinegar is great for certain cleaning surfaces due to the acidity. The problem is it’s too acidic. This lemon infused rubbing alcohol is only slightly acidic making it safe to still use on all surfaces, even natural stones. Remember, it is slightly acidic. There is no lemon juice found in this solution because you are only using the peel.
Lemon peels contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), malic acid, and citric acid all which make great cleaning options. But again, you are just getting the benefits of the peel without the acid of the lemon juice.
Scent
Lemon peels contain the best lemon scent that infuses into the rubbing alcohol, making the pungent alcohol scent lessen plus bringing in a hint of lemon. This also eliminates the need for a lemon essential oil. It is affordable and handy!
Other Chemicals Present
In our post on lemons, we shared analysis that show lemon peels also contain sodium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. All of these get extracted into the rubbing alcohol in small quantities which also aid in cleaning.
Antimicrobial
Lemon peels contain antimicrobial benefits which get infused into the rubbing alcohol which is a great element for cleaning.
So, through home extraction and infusion, lemon infused rubbing alcohol makes a fantastic and CHEAP cleaning tool for using in other solutions.
What about lemon oils?
Readers always ask if they can substitute lemon essential oil instead of lemon infused rubbing alcohol. The short answer is not really. You are welcome to use it in addition to the infused rubbing alcohol, but it can’t replace it.
Check out this post on lemon for skin where I break down the difference between lemon oils, lemon peel, and lemon juice! You can get some more detail about the actual lemon peel vs an oil.
I have tested all these solutions many times and the lemon infused rubbing alcohol has stronger cleaning benefits than plain rubbing alcohol with some lemon oil added in. The reason is all the ones stated above. Lemon peel plays an important role. The cleaning properties of the lemon infused rubbing alcohol were more impactful for cleaning up dirt and food substances.
Infused rubbing alcohol at home provides a cheaper alternative for you plus added benefits.
How to Make Lemon Infused Rubbing Alcohol:
We discussed all the benefits, but now let’s discuss how to create it.
Ingredients:
- Lemon peels to fill up entire jar
- 70% or 91% rubbing alcohol** (scroll down below the directions on which percentage to use for different things)
- Jar with secure lid
Directions:
- Add the lemon peels to the jar and fill to the top with rubbing alcohol.
- Allow to infuse for at least 2 weeks. You can allow it to sit for even up to two months!
Use in homemade cleaning solutions, homemade bug spray, and more!
** 70% rubbing alcohol is better for disinfecting (scroll a little ways down for how to disinfect). 91% alcohol can be used if you plan on doing regular cleaning with it.
How to Use Lemon Infused Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning
Always DILUTE when using to clean. A good rule of thumb for cleaning is 1 cup of water to a few tablespoons of lemon infused rubbing alcohol. You can also use it for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of them home.
How to Use Lemon Infused Rubbing Alcohol for Disinfecting:
According to the EPA (page25), cleaning removes dirt and food substances while disinfecting removes 99% or more of germs. We use a 2 step method to disinfect.
Clean the area with a cleaner (homemade or store-bought). Make sure surface is free from debris or food. Then, follow up with pure (undiluted) lemon infused rubbing alcohol. Spray the entire surface and saturate with the lemon rubbing alcohol. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes (before it evaporates). Wipe off and be cautious about cross contamination.
Use caution on painted surfaces and check with manufacturer for natural stones. Pure rubbing alcohol can be harsh which is why we recommend dilution for regular cleaning. Only use it pure for disinfecting.
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Oh, this is really good to know. I like that it can be used on all surfaces – so you don’t have to switch it up depending on where you are cleaning.
I agree, that is the best type of cleaner to use! I love something that will clean all the areas of your home 🙂
Sounds good. I was wondering if you could get the same benefits if you use lime infused alcohol?
Lime has a similar composition, but not the exact same. You can definitely try it and use it. WE do all types of infused alcohol like lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. Lemon is the most beneficial, but any type can be good to try
I don’t mind the scent of rubbing alcohol, but I bet lemon rubbing alcohol smells a lot better. =) Is this lemon alcohol for cleaning surfaces only? Would I be able to use it on wounds (rose scratches, etc.)? Would the lemon affect the alcohol’s effectiveness as a disinfectant on the body? What’s the difference between the 70% and 91% isopropyl alcohol I see in the stores – purity?
It does smell a lot better! I wouldn’t use it for wounds due to the acidity of the lemon. I like using 91% because it is a more concentrated version of alcohol, so it will clean better 🙂
Can use 100% pure organic lemon juice or lemon essential oil to 8oz of alcohol?? I need it to use now is why I’m asking.
The lemon juice breaks down too much. You can use the lemon essential oil
The 2 week time is tough! I’d appreciate your comments regarding this challenge. Please & thank you
2 weeks is how long the infusion takes, but you can just use straight rubbing alcohol if you need something now. I usually infuse a batch and keep some regular
When using the infused lemon/rubbing alcohol do you use it as is, or do you add water? Like 2 ounces of lemon alcohol to 14 ounces of water to make 16 ounce cleaning spray?? I spot read…sorry, just not enough hours in the day!! LOL!
This is a great question Paulette! I typically mix it up for homemade cleaning solutions, like the ones from the book. Those are usually mixed up with other items. You can dilute with with water for a spray. Or I also use it in things like this homemade soft scrub recipe. It really depends on how you want to use it. You can use it concentrated by just dipping a towel into the jar and wiping off an area. If you do want to make a spray a few tablespoons of alcohol to one cup of water should be good. 🙂
Thanks!!
So, are other citrus fruits equally effective? Will orange peels also make a good cleaner or a mixture of lemon and orange?
Lemon is the most effective due to its chemical properties and acidity. You are welcome to combine lemon with orange, it just won’t be as strong. And you can use other citrus for scent, but again, it won’t be as powerful as a cleaner. 🙂
How about limes?
You can use limes if that is what you have, but it will not have the same cleaning impact lemons do
Is it just the yellow peel or the entire lemon cut up? In the picture of the jar, it looks like the entire lemon is cut up. Do you squeeze the juice out first and save or another purpose?
Thank you. Also, how much is your Chemistry Hacks Cleaning book?
It is just the peel. I peel the lemons, the put them back in the fridge to use the juice for later. Usually in my collagen drink! Our ebOok is 9.99, here is the link: https://chemistrycachet.com/the-book
Can I use this solution on windows and glass?
Yes you can. I usually mix it with 1/2 water so it’s not as concentrated for glass
as you have mentioned above that it can be used as homemade bug spray, is it safe to spray in plants? why? 🙂
Yes alcohol is safe for plants 🙂 it’s not acidic or basic, so won’t harm growth
In making the alcohol infusion, could I substitute lemon for other citrus, such as lime, orange, or grapefruit?
Yes you can! In the ebook, I talk about using grapefruit. I also do orange too!
It says you can infused for up to 3 months. But how long does the lemon infused alcohol last after you have infused it…meaning how long after you removed the peels?
After peels are removed, it will last for awhile. Length depends on climate, but anywhere from 6 months to a year is usually the best
After infusing the alcohol do you strain it out and store it? How long does is it good for?
If you strain it, it will last 6 months or so. If you leave the peels in it, it will last 3 months or so. I typically leave the peels for a few months, then I will strain. It is good either way 🙂
Does it have to be rubbing alcohol?
Could one substitute the rubbing alcohol for vodka?- it doesn’t smell as bad and can be used around foods.
You can use ethanol as well (drinking alcohol), but it doesn’t clean quit as well as the rubbing alcohol. They are very similar though
Thank you so much! No one has been able to give me an answer before. 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
This says it’s all-purpose, but alcohol cannot be used on painted surfaces. It dissolves acrylic or latex based paints, which is most modern furniture and house paint.
Hi Brie, please read our information below the directions. We recommend diluting rubbing alcohol in cleaners, use caution on painted surfaces (although when diluted it is very unlikely to impact any paint except chalk paint). I use it for my entire home in an all-purpose cleaner, its great for all surfaces. Thanks!
You mentioned citric acid. I have powdered citric acid for canning purposes so can I use it instead of lemon peels? If so, how much? Thank you!
Hi thanks for reaching out! No, you cannot use citric acid in this solution. It is too strong and does not combine the same. I would recommend using the lemon peels or just plain rubbing alcohol for cleaning solutions
Can I juice the lemon instead of peeling it to get the rinds? (There would a little bit of leftover pulp and sections, didn’t know if that was ok?)
I don’t like to because it does leave membrane pieces in the alcohol which can make the cleaning a little sticky.
I have made the lemon peel and rubbing alcohol for a cleaner and it says to dilute it. Can you please tell me what the ratio should be when diluting and do you dilute it with water?
Thanks kindly
Pam
I use it in our eBook recipes, and especially in the all-purpose cleaner. If you don’t have the eBook, I would use about 1 cup of water and 1 to 2 tbsp of lemon infused alcohol.
Hello Alexis!
I am SOOO so happy to have found your blog, I love how you make chemistry easy to understand for a layman like me! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog!
I have OCD, and I am a germaphobe, so I have been using isopropyl alcohol for sanitising and disinfecting for years now. But I honestly dislike the alcohol smell. This lemon infused IPA sounds great! I have a few questions though, hope you can help me with them. ?
– will infusing lemon peels in 99.9% IPA reduce the potency/ efficiency of the IPA?
– do you also use the white part of the lemon rinds for the infusion?
– normally, I would add 30% distilled water to 99.9% IPA to make it 70%. But in this case of the lemon infused IPA, may I know how much water should I add to it to still make it 70% lemon infused IPA?
Hope you can understand my questions. Because I have zilch knowledge about chemistry, I REALLY want to try making this lemon infused IPA, but I don’t want to mess up and create something less than 70% IPA.
Also, I was wondering if (inspired by your post) it is possible to infuse tea in 99.9% IPA?? For example, just chucking in a few teabags in 99.9% IPA, just to “scent” the IPA with the tea. Will this destroy the IPA?? Will it even work?? Hahaha..
I tried adding essential oils in the 70% IPA, but it takes 30 to 40 drops per 100 ml IPA just to get a faint whiff of the fragrance. It’s just too expensive and futile to keep doing so. Thus the “infusing” teabags idea.
Looking forward to your reply! Thank you for creating your blog, it is so insightful!
Cheers
Hi! So glad you found our blog. Sorry for the delayed response, injury had surgery. I hope I can answer the questions for you. Lemon infused alcohol won’t impact the potency and can help with smell. I use only the rinds, not the white part which can leave particles inside. The tea wouldn’t hold up in infusion with alcohol, it was just float around and would help with scent or anything. Hope this helps!!
Hello Alexis!
Oh wow! Thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it! So sorry to hear about your injury, hope you are recovering well! ❤️
So glad you told me about the teabags. I just keep staring at them and wondering if I can put 10 bags in a jar and infuse the isopropyl alcohol to make them smell nice. ?? I am not going to do that now.
Does it mean I can still measure 70 ml of lemon infused 99.9% isopropyl alcohol, add 30 ml distilled water (in 100 ml bottle) and it is still an effective 70% isopropyl alcohol sanitiser/ disinfectant?? If that’s the case, I am going to buy tons of lemons tomorrow and start infusing this weekend!
Thank you for replying. Get well really soon! Take good care! ?
Cheers
Yes, that should be fine to do 🙂
Hi Alexis, I appreciate your process and easy to understand explanations. Glad I found your site! I am going to make this infused alcohol to use in your disinfectant wipes recipe but until the 2 weeks is up, I assume using plain rubbing alcohol in place of it could work for now? Also, crazy thought perhaps, would using a pressure cooker/instant pot work to extract the lemon peel benefits? Maybe the heat would break it down too much.
I appreciate that you reply to everyone’s comments, it’s very helpful!
Yes, plain rubbing alcohol is fine to use 🙂 We actually have a recipe in our eBook for making lemon infused extract which using a crock pot. I have never used a pressure cooker for it, but you can definitely simmer in a crock pot setting for awhile. I have done this with olive oil which will create a lemon infused oil. Using an alcohol or vinegar in a crock pot or pressure cooker would make those products evaporate too much. It is best to use an oil instead.
you do not specify the size of the jar, the amount of rubbing alcohol or how may lemons, can you please provide this
Hi! It doesn’t matter, you can use any size jar you have. Fill up with lemon rinds, as many that will fit. Fill to the top with alcohol. This particular situation was an 8oz jar with about 2 full lemon rinds. But it doesn’t matter, you can use whatever you have 🙂
thank you, don’t want to mess it up 🙂
No problem! Hope you enjoy making it and using it 🙂
Alexis, bless you for your very timely article. I have the ingredients to make hand sanitizer but I was stumped on the recipe for a surface cleaner.
I’m headed to the store now for plenty of lemons.
Thank you for sharing.
Hope you enjoy making it!
Can Orange Peels be used instead of Lemon Peels?
Thanks!
Kris
Yes, oranges aren’t as high in antimicrobial activity, but can be substituted
Is this safe to use around animals (dogs &cats )?
It is safe around them, but all cleaning products should be kept away from animals so they don’t get into them and should not be used on their skin. The same precautions should be used as you do with anything store-bought 🙂
Hi Alexis,
In this phase of coronavirus terror, all the isopropyl alcohol has been sold out in every store or online site. Can I use lemon vinegar as a substitute and add only a few tablespoons of alcohol? Or is there any other possibility? I actually also have an “overproof” white rum that smells a lot like alcohol. (LOL) Could I use that?
Finally, do you have a link for creating hand sanitizer?
Thank you so much for any help you can provide. The hoarding mentality is making this situation particularly dangerous!
Hoping to hear from you soon!
The CDC doesn’t recommend vinegar as a safe option for viral/bacterial strands. The best bet is definitely alcohol. If you can’t find enough rubbing alcohol, you can try a drinking alcohol like vodka. The rum might work if it is at least 70%. Hope this helps 🙂
Alcohol cannot actually be used on any surface. I have had to keep everyone from using my alcohol spray on my furniture because it eats the clear coating of my nice furnature off and leaves me with the matte underneath of it in spots.
Yes, we have information on this in our post about cleaning with alcohol. As stated, it should be used with caution on painted or sealed surfaces
Couple of questions: 1) rubbing alcohol is hard to get right now will I get the same effect with vodka? 2) will other citrus peels or a blend of work for cleaning? Thank you
You can use any citrus peels you have on hand! And yes, you can use vodka 🙂
Hi, I am novice to your site. Can I use this lemon-alcohol spray on my granite counters ? Thanks…..Mira
Yes you can. Alcohol is safe for natural stone (just make sure to dilute it with water a little). The lemon adds beneficial ingredients without much acid, so safe for stone like granite
Can I use your lemon infused isopropyl alcohol in hand sanitizer recipes that call for isopropyl alcohol?
Yes you can 🙂
I love your site! I was wondering if orange peels would be just as appropriate for this recipe and if it would work with your all purpose spray and the diy Clorox wipes. The girls and I have been saving orange peels all week in a jar and my husband is eyeing it like? “ what now?”?
You can definitely use orange peels! I use them often as well. They aren’t as potent substance wise, but are a good substitute
Interesting read! Appreciate the info. This may be off topic but why not just use some Lysol concentrate mixed to right percentage? Also thoughts on using Thyme (thymol) essential oil in this “recipe’? It is the main disinfecting ingredient in 7th Generation brand spray (which according to their website is shortlisted for EPA approval as a disinfectant). Thanks for your guidance.
Most want to eliminate the extra chemicals found in products like Lysol, so pure rubbing alcohol is a better option while still maintaining the disinfecting benefits. Before this pandemic occurred, readers were more interested in eliminating excess chemical ingredients from store-bought products. Now, everyone is most concerned with disinfecting with whatever we have available. Thyme is still not recognized by many government agencies for viral/bacterial disinfecting for home use. I love 7th generation and use it, they contain other ingredients to buffer the solution so it remains active. I have not tested out just using thyme oil as a disinfectant though. There is some good research, but it still needs some more home testing.
Great site, I’m excited to try this out. Are lightly seated lemon peels okay, or do they need to be fully intact for this?
That is fine to use, but make sure you strain the solution well
Alexis,
Girl you are working overtime. I appreciate your commitment to your blog which is helping all of us. My question is this…
Sent my bf to the store for lemons and he came back with citrons. Will that have the same efficacy as lemons?
Those will work fine 🙂 They have similar properties although not quit as acidic as far as the juices go. Since you are just using the peel, it is okay to use
Thanks!
Hi! I happen to stumble upon this looking for homemade disinfectant for COVID-19. And I think I am very fortunate to have done so. I’ve been sharing many of your recipes with other people. I have a question that I hope you can answer: can I reuse the lemon peels or do I need knee ones every time? Thank you so much for all your help! Take care!
It’s best not to reuse them because the alcohol will extract all the substances from it, so all that’s left is really the physical parts of the peel 🙂 so glad you found our website!!
Awesome!!!! Thank you! I do have one more question and then I think I’m done. LOL I can only find the wintergreen alcohol. Would that work with lemons or is it best to use it alone? Thanks again!
That’s fine as long as alcohol percent is still 70% or more 🙂
Hi, are Meyer lemon peels as acidic as regular lemons? Will they provide the same benefit?
Thanks!
Yes you can, any lemon will work 🙂
Hi! Your photo at the top of the recipe shows a peeled lemon (like you would peel an orange), but it some of the comments it says not to use the white part. I know when I do peel for candied rind, I use a vegetable peeler so as only to get the yellow part. Is this necessary for the recipe?
Whatever is easier for you. If you have white in the peel, it just requires you strain the solution once it’s done 🙂 I score the lemon like in the photos when I’m also making lemon powder, but usually prefer to just peel it like with a vegetable peeler
Hi thank you can you purée the lemon peels so that the infusion could be faster? Or after juicing the lemon instead you just put the juiced lemon peels direct to the jar and add alcohol?
You can use the lemon peels after juicing, but there will be lemon particles in the alcohol. This is okay, but can leave a residue when cleaning.
Greetings, Can you please clarify the following two different instructions between Lemon Infused Alcohol and Lysol Wipes comments.
Lemon Infused Alchol:
We use a 2 step method to disinfect.
Clean the area with a cleaner (homemade or store-bought). Make sure surface is free from debri or food. Then, follow up with pure (undiluted) lemon infused rubbing alcohol. Spray the entire surface and saturate with the lemon rubbing alcohol. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes (before it evaporates). Wipe off and be cautious about cross contamination.
Lysol Wipe Solution:
If you are wanting to disinfect a surface properly, spray the area with pure rubbing alcohol then follow up with a cleaner.
Hi Jean! The two step method should be to clean an area well, then follow up with a disinfectant. The EPA recommends this for the best method. I have done it both ways, but it is better to clean first. Thanks for asking 🙂
Can you use this as a hand sanitizer spray to use while out in public?
Yes, if you infused 70 % rubbing alcohol you can use it as a hand sanitizer spray
Hi, I could only get 91% rubbing alcohol but want to make the lemon infused solution for disinfecting like Clorox non-bleach wipes. If I fill a 32 oz jar with lemon peels and have 91% alcohol, do I need to add a certain amount of water to make it a disinfectant strength vs cleaning strength??
Or Would I make like you instruct with 91% and adjust the recipe for the clorox wipes by using more water or less lemon infused solution? If so how would I adjust? Thanks! Dawn
To make 91% alcohol around 70%, you will mix 1 cup of 91% to 1/3 cup of water, and it will be about 70%. I would just mix up a batch when you need it to disinfect. If you want to make a cleaner and a disinfectant, you can just use the 91% for homemade clorox wipes to clean, then follow up with a disinfectant spray of the ratio above (1 cup 91% alcohol to 1/3 cup water). We have more tips on the 2 step process in this post in case you need it.
Thank you so much for the recipe! How long is this mixture good for? And I’ve heard about some people adding baking soda, is that good? Thanks 🙂
Baking soda can be added for cleaning like our homemade soft scrub recipe, but for disinfecting, it is best to use the rubbing alcohol straight. If you strain the lemon out, the alcohol mix is good for 6 months or more.
Hi Alexis. I sprayed the lemon cleaner, undiluted, around and in the gasket in my front loading washer…no more moldy odor! I did not have to run an entire tub clean wash cycle so I save water and the cleaner is homemade so no plastic packaging to recycle.
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
HI Alexis — bit of an odd question, but your knowledge of chemistry might be able to provide the answer! Does the addition of a lemon infusion to the isopropyl alcohol have any effect on Ebonite (aka hard rubber, aka vulcanite)? Thanks so much.
No, it won’t make any more difference than just using the alcohol. It might add a bit more shine, but that is all 🙂
Why is blue Dawn better that white Dawn?
The white dawn varieties aren’t concentrated like blue dawn ultra. You can use it though if that is what you have on hand
I’m curious about the contact time being 5-10min when the CDC has been recommending 30sec as being enough time on hard surfaces.
(Love your blog btw, im all about anything backed by science and education.)
Hi! The amount of time depends on the product. For rubbing alcohol, it is still recommended 5-10 minutes of contact time. Many store-bought disinfectants mention 10 minutes on their label. The CDC does say that ethyl alcohol is more potent, so this would only need about 3 minutes to kill all bacteria and viral strands. Let me know any other questions!
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time. You’re awesome 🙂
Hi,
I forgot about my lemons and they have been soaking since May(4 months)!
The lemons on top are a bit white. Is this no longer safe to use?
Thanks!
sandy
No, it is fine 🙂 You can just strain them and solution is good to use!
Hi Alexis,
I read through almost every post so as not to bother you with a repeat question. Can this be used to clean a non-wool carpet? If color matters, it is ivory/off white, so not too concerned about that.
Thanks!
Hi! I would recommend using our homemade carpet cleaner instead which is great for non wool carpets.
Thanks so much Alexis!
Hi,
Can I use this to clean my coffee machine?
I don’t like the vinegar stink up my apt.
No, rubbing alcohol does not need to be heated up or used on food surfaces. You can buy a descaling product with no odor for a coffee machine if you don’t like vinegar 🙂 HEre is a post about it. This works for single serve machines or regular coffee pots. To print, you just have to go to your browsers print button to print the web page or highlight the wording, right click and you can “print selected” usually
Also, where is your print button?
Just made a batch of lemon-infused 71% rubbing alcohol. I’m concerned about whether this would fade my laminate countertops, and the rest of the internet seems non committal. What do you think? Would it happen if I used it consistently? I’m trying to reduce my single-use wipe consumption so I’m hoping to use this instead to spray down my counters daily. I currently use seventh generation wipes.
Hi! Since the lemon infused rubbing alcohol is strictly a disinfectant, it should only be used at the most once per day or as needed (like after cooking or if something gets contaminated). I have found it to be safe using it like this on all surfaces around my home. If you want to use the lemon infused rubbing alcohol for cleaning, I would dilute it with water and dish soap to make a DIY all-purpose cleaner (we have a recipe for this in the eBook or you can make one like this). Let me know if you need anymore information, I can send you some links!
Alexis how long can you leave the lemon peels and alcohol ? I put mine together about 4 months ago. While I was sick it got put aside . I’m now finding it and wondered if I need to throw it out. Thanks for taking the time to answer . Mary C
The peels will get harder as it sits there longer, but other than that, I would just strain them and use the alcohol like normal. The only reason to throw out the alcohol would be if it has a bad odor to it.
Couple of questions…
1. There is lemon peel essential oil (steam distilled) and its quite the powerhouse. Provided its massive concentration and chemical preservation during the distillation process, I would imagine this would be as effective as infused peels….no?
(Edens Botanicals carrries it)
2. In terms of volatility, does the lemon peel help slow down evaporation? Im currently looking for ways to decrease volatility without water dilution
3. You suggest just a couple spoons of lemon RA to an cup of water…. Isnt that too much dilution?! Are there any studies that suggests what ratio doesnt interfere with its disinfection strength?
Thank you so much for your article!
Disinfecting and cleaning are separate steps, so the DIY cleaner you make will not be the same as the DIY disinfectant. Here is the post for the DIY disinfectant. I would also read this post on cleaning vs disinfecting because it is a very misunderstood topic. The lemon peel has no bearing on the evaporation. Lastly, the essential oil can be used, but doesn’t quite have the same results. I hope this helps! Thanks!
Can I put straight 70% rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and use straight or add a little water to it? Instead of using the peels, is it ok to add lemon oil to it? I wanted to see if this would clean marble shower and floor and glass door and sinks in bathroom? Thank you.
Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning natural stone surfaces. For cleaning, it needs to be diluted properly. I like to use our DIY all-purpose cleaner on page 13 of the eBook. This is 1 cup of water, 1 tbsp dish soap, and 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol. For disinfecting, you need to use the straight rubbing alcohol. Here is a post on cleaning vs disinfecting. Here is the post on disinfecting with rubbing alcohol. I would read this article for cleaning glass shower doors. You can use lemon oil, but I have found it not to be quiet as good as using the peels.
So I forgot that I made this well over a year ago probably approaching two and the lemon pills are still in it. I’m guessing it’s bad?
The alcohol won’t be bad, but if it has a bad smell from the lemon peels being in it too long, I would toss it. If it smells good, just strain the peels and the alcohol should be fine